The Gilbert campaign pointed to a vehicle purchased by Texans for Todd Staples for $15,406 from a Grapeland car dealership on July 9, 2005. Public records show Staples received a title for a Chevrolet Suburban almost two weeks later with a market value of more than $36,000.

"If it's not the same vehicle, it's the biggest coincidence since the beginning of time," said Vince Leibowitz, Gilbert's campaign spokesman. "It appears that he has converted campaign property to personal use. For five years this has been going on and he hasn't reimbursed the campaign the cost of the vehicle."

State law prohibits the personal use of an item purchased with campaign funds. And Texas Ethics Commission records show no reimbursement for a campaign vehicle.

That's because they weren't the same vehicle, said Cody McGregor, Staples' campaign manager.

"Guilty Gilbert's latest press release is 100 percent wrong," he said. "These were two separate vehicles. This is an example of libel and slander, and another example of him trying to cover up his criminal conviction for theft, current tax liens and allegations from Kinky that he took a $150,000 bribe."

Staples still drives the SUV he purchased five years ago, which has state office holder plates. These plates are also on his pick-up and a four door sedan registered to his wife. The campaign reimburses Staples for his campaign-related travel with these vehicles. A campaign vehicle no longer exists.

The Gilbert camp made the allegations two weeks after questions arose about a luxury car driven by State Rep. Linda Harper-Brown and owned by a company that makes millions through state transportation contracts.

"We don't believe for a moment it was a different vehicle," Leibowitz said, who demanded further proof.